Choosing a budget-friendly smartphone can be tough. The Motorola Moto G23 and Moto G52 are both strong contenders, offering a blend of features and affordability. But which one reigns supreme? Let's dive into a detailed comparison to help you decide.
🏆 Quick Verdict
The Moto G52 edges out the G23 thanks to its more efficient chipset and AMOLED display, resulting in smoother performance and a better viewing experience. While the G23 offers slightly better raw CPU power, the G52's overall package is more refined for everyday use.
| Network |
|---|
| 2G bands | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 | GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 |
| 3G bands | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 - Europe, AP/MEA | HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1700(AWS) / 1900 / 2100 |
| 4G bands | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 20, 28, 38, 40, 41 - Europe | LTE |
| Speed | HSPA, LTE | HSPA, LTE |
| Technology | GSM / HSPA / LTE | GSM / HSPA / LTE |
| | 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 18, 19, 20, 26, 28, 38, 40, 41 - AP/MEA | - |
| Launch |
|---|
| Announced | 2023, January 24 | 2022, April 12 |
| Status | Available. Released 2023, January 24 | Available. Released 2022, April 20 |
| Body |
|---|
| Build | Glass front, plastic frame, plastic back | - |
| Dimensions | 162.7 x 74.7 x 8.2 mm (6.41 x 2.94 x 0.32 in) | 160.1 x 74.5 x 8 mm (6.30 x 2.93 x 0.31 in) |
| SIM | · Nano-SIM· Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM | Nano-SIM + Nano-SIM |
| Weight | 184.3 g (6.49 oz) | 169 g (5.96 oz) |
| | Water-resistant design | Water-repellent design |
| Display |
|---|
| Protection | Panda glass | - |
| Resolution | 720 x 1600 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~270 ppi density) | 1080 x 2400 pixels, 20:9 ratio (~402 ppi density) |
| Size | 6.5 inches, 102.0 cm2 (~83.9% screen-to-body ratio) | 6.6 inches, 103.6 cm2 (~86.9% screen-to-body ratio) |
| Type | IPS LCD, 90Hz, 400 nits (peak) | AMOLED, 90Hz |
| Platform |
|---|
| CPU | Octa-core (2x2.0 GHz Cortex-A75 & 6x1.8 GHz Cortex-A55) | Octa-core (4x2.4 GHz Kryo 265 Gold & 4x1.9 GHz Kryo 265 Silver) |
| Chipset | Mediatek MT6769Z Helio G85 (12 nm) | Qualcomm SM6225 Snapdragon 680 4G (6 nm) |
| GPU | Mali-G52 MC2 | Adreno 610 |
| OS | Android 13, planned upgrade to Android 14 | Android 12, planned upgrade to Android 13 |
| Memory |
|---|
| Card slot | microSDXC (dedicated slot) | microSDXC (uses shared SIM slot) |
| Internal | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 8GB RAM | 64GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 4GB RAM, 128GB 6GB RAM, 256GB 6GB RAM |
| Main Camera |
|---|
| Features | LED flash, HDR, panorama | LED flash, HDR, panorama |
| Triple | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 0.64µm, PDAF
5 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide)
2 MP (macro) | 50 MP, f/1.8 (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, PDAF
8 MP, f/2.2, 118˚ (ultrawide), 1/4.0", 1.12µm
2 MP (macro) |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Selfie camera |
|---|
| Features | HDR | - |
| Single | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1.0µm | 16 MP, f/2.5, (wide), 1.0µm |
| Video | 1080p@30fps | 1080p@30fps |
| Sound |
|---|
| 3.5mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| 35mm jack | Yes | Yes |
| Loudspeaker | Yes, with stereo speakers | Yes, with stereo speakers |
| Comms |
|---|
| Bluetooth | 5.1, A2DP, LE | 5.0, A2DP, LE |
| NFC | Yes (market/region dependent) | Yes (market/region dependent) |
| Positioning | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO | GPS, GLONASS, GALILEO |
| Radio | FM radio | Unspecified |
| USB | USB Type-C 2.0 | USB Type-C 2.0 |
| WLAN | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band | Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct |
| Features |
|---|
| Sensors | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity | Fingerprint (side-mounted), accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass |
| Battery |
|---|
| Charging | 30W wired | 30W wired |
| Type | 5000 mAh | Li-Po 5000 mAh |
| Misc |
|---|
| Colors | Matte Charcoal, Pearl White, Steel Blue | Charcoal Gray, Porcelain White |
| Models | XT2333-1 | XT2221-1, XT2221-2 |
| Price | About 80 EUR | About 470 EUR |
Motorola Moto G23
- Larger battery capacity (5000mAh)
- Slightly higher peak CPU clock speed
- Generally more affordable
- IPS LCD display (less vibrant)
- Less efficient chipset
- Potentially slightly slower performance in everyday tasks
Motorola Moto G52
- AMOLED display (vibrant colors, deep blacks)
- More efficient Snapdragon 680 chipset
- Generally smoother performance
- Premium feel
- Slightly smaller battery (5000mAh)
- Potentially slightly more expensive
Display Comparison
The Moto G52 boasts a 6.6-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and smooth scrolling. The G23 has a 6.6-inch IPS LCD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, which is decent but lacks the contrast and color accuracy of the AMOLED panel. The G52's display is a clear winner here.
Camera Comparison
Both phones feature a 50MP main camera. The G23's camera setup includes an 8MP ultrawide and a 2MP macro lens, while the G52 has a 50MP main, 8MP ultrawide, and a 2MP depth sensor. Image quality is generally comparable, but the G52's image processing might be slightly better. It's a close call, but the G52 has a slight edge.
Performance
The Moto G52's Snapdragon 680 (6nm) is more power-efficient than the G23's Helio G85 (12nm). While the G23 has a slightly higher peak CPU clock speed, the Snapdragon 680 generally provides smoother, more responsive performance in everyday tasks and multitasking. The G52's 6nm process also contributes to better battery life. The G52 takes the performance crown.
Battery Life
The Moto G23 packs a larger 5000mAh battery compared to the G52's 5000mAh. However, the G52's more efficient Snapdragon 680 chipset allows it to achieve better battery life in real-world usage. Both phones support 30W fast charging.
Buying Guide
The Motorola Moto G23 is ideal for users prioritizing raw processing power for gaming or demanding apps, and those who value a larger battery. The Motorola Moto G52 is a better choice for those who value a vibrant display, smoother performance, and a more premium feel, even within a budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Which phone is better for gaming?
The Moto G23's slightly higher CPU clock speed might give it a marginal advantage in some games, but both phones are best suited for casual gaming. Demanding titles may struggle on both devices.
❓ Does the Moto G52 have 5G?
No, neither the Moto G23 nor the Moto G52 support 5G connectivity. They are both 4G LTE devices.
